James: "That was actually a really nice trip. Good to get out and have a change of scenery once in a while."

Tristan was startled out of his reverie by James' sudden need to become chatty.

Tristan: "Yeah, it really was. Wonder what prompted Andrew to suggest it?"
James: "Meh, whatever. First class hotel, first class train tickets- neither of which we had to pay for -I'm not going to question anything."
Tristan: "Good philosophy."

James: "What do you think of that art thing he's got us going to tomorrow night?"
Tristan: "No clue. Markus will be there, though. It'll be really good to see him again."
James: "Indeed."

Tanya: "Holy..."
Stacy: "No way..."
James: "Can I help you?"

Stacy: "You're James freaking Selwyn, aren't you?"
James: "The one and only!"

Stacy: "I told you! I knew I'd recognize him anywhere!"
Tanya: "I promised myself I wouldn't act all stupid, but eeeeeeeeeeee!"

Tristan winced unconsciously- he wasn't even aware humans could reach octaves that high. As James soaked up the praise and adoration, Tristan found his attention turned once more to the girl seated across from them. She'd been woken up by the high-pitched squealing of the two girls and now sat staring ahead at the empty seat in front of her.

He found himself willing her to look over, to make some small connection with him. After a few seconds, she sighed heavily and turned to look out the window at the darkness of the country-side passing beyond the glass.

The scent of vanilla & despair caught him off guard. It was so strong it was as though he were surrounded by it, drowning in it. Colors began to bleed together, changing to red while the world around him blurred slightly at the edges.

Tristan: "Emily..."